Welcome to MCAB-V!

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the 5th Annual Masters Championship of Amateur Brewing, hosted by Washington, DC's Brewers United for Real Potables (BURP) Homebrew Club.

MCAB represents a true grass roots effort to recognize and celebrate the best homebrewed beers and brewers in North America. The participating brewers have been chosen through a rigorous selection process based on 13 qualifying competitions held throughout the US and Canada. Highly ranked BJCP beer judges evaluate the MCAB entries, assuring MCAB’s reputation as the premier beer competition on the continent, the true "World Series of Homebrewing."

There's more to MCAB than just the competition. Our program of varied and interesting social and educational events furthers the MCAB mission to encourage communication and to provide learning opportunities for amateur brewers. These events include: a special reception on Capitol Hill, a roundtable discussion with GABF-winning brewers from the Washington, DC area, and a gala banquet featuring even more award-winning beers and brewers. We hope that you find these programs both fun and rewarding.

Before closing, I would like to offer my thanks to those individuals on the MCAB-V Planning Committee who worked extremely hard to make this event a reality:

Wendy Aaronson – Competition Breakfast and Souvenir Glasses Coordinator
Andy Anderson and Tom Cannon – Competition Coordinators
Colleen Cannon – Budget Coordinator
Rob Hanson – Graphic Designer
Betsy Kepler – Banquet and Licensing Coordinator
Bob Kepler – Website and Awards Designer
Kathy Koch – Steward Coordinator and BURP Treasurer
Jamie Langlie – Registration Package Coordinator
Paul Langlie – BURP Webmaster
Steve Marler – Awards Designer and Co-Sponsor Coordinator
Phil Sides – AHA Liaison and Co-Sponsor Coordinator

Many thanks to Dave Alexander and Bob Tupper for their contributions to the Brickskeller program and to Becky and Dave Pyle of Hop Union for hosting Friday’s reception. Virginia Congressman Jim Moran’s sponsorship of the beautiful Cannon Caucus Room on Capitol Hill for the reception is especially appreciated.

Finally, thanks to all of you for attending MCAB-V. I hope you have a great time and, if you are lucky enough to have a beer entered, I wish you every success in the competition. Cheers!

Bill Ridgely – MCAB-V Organizer